KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawakians are reminded to maintain vigilance and uphold stringent hygiene practices as well as preventive measures in light of the ongoing threat posed by COVID-19.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the public must not be too complacent.
“When COVID-19 just started, everyone was obsessed with hand washing. But now, everybody has forgotten that COVID is still around and people still die of it.
“So, just a reminder to the public… Remember to keep hand hygiene, mask on and visit the hospitals or health clinic if feeling unwell,” he said.
He said this to reporters when met after inspecting the nearly-completed SJK (C) Kai Nang here today (Dec 10).
Dr Sim, who is also the Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, said to go back or impose another lockdown as a way to curb the spread of COVID-19 is not the best option.
“That is why we spend so much money on vaccination to protect us against the virus,” he said.
When asked about the number of COVID-19 cases in Sarawak, Dr Sim said he does not have the latest figures at hand and would need to find out from the Health Department.
“Having said that, COVID-19 is still around and we are now living with the virus. But what is important is that, if you are tested positive, look after yourself and protect others.
“Go to the nearest hospital or health clinics as they have the oral antiviral Paxlovid, which is available for free,” he said.
Earlier, during the recent State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, Dr Sim mentioned that as of November 18, a total of 328,256 COVID-19 cases and 1,793 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in Sarawak, since the first reported case on March 13, 2020.
“A total of 325,330 cases or approximately 99.11 percent have recovered from the disease,” he said.
As of the same period this year, he said, there were a total of eight deaths caused by COVID-19 this year, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.32 per 100,000 population, compared to 167 death cases with mortality rate of 5.41 per 100,000 population reported in 2022.
“The utilisation rate of Intensive Care Units (ICUs) for COVID-19 has been minimal with occasional admission since Epid Week 25 (mid-June 2023). Thus, the hospital has enough capacity to support the current needs,” he said.
